Observations:

February 2015 – Ekblad seems to have elevated his game post All-Star break with seven points in 10 games since the star studded affair.  He is also showing his multi-category value with 15 blocks, 23 shots and 16 hits in those eight games.  Ekblad still leads all rookie defensemen with his 31 points as he pushes for the Calder trophy. Lee Rayson

January 2015 – Ekblad has asserted himself as one of the leading candidates for the Calder Trophy as he nears the All-Star break.  He will be representing the Florida Panthers during 2015 All-Star weekend Skills Competition.  The rookie has played like a veteran, exhibiting both poise and calmness within his game.  He has pushed his point total up to 25 points in 44 games thus far.  What may be the most impressive stat, is that 20 of his points have come at even strength, to go along with a +7 rating, to prove he is making intelligent decisions on the ice.  Lee Rayson

December 2014 – Ekblad continues his successful rookie campaign extending his point streak to four games following a three assist game on December 6th versus Buffalo. This was Ekblad's first three-point game of his career.  The calder contender boosted his season total up to 17 points in 25 games putting him in a tie for the team lead in scoring.  He has not sacrificed defence in order to generate offence shown by his plus-6 rating. He also fired a season high six shots on goal in a 4-3 win versus Columbus when he played just under 26 minutes.  Florida is not sheltering the rookie as Ekblad is averaging just under 22 minutes-per-game as of December 7th.  Look for his numbers to continue as he has shown no signs of being impacted by the rigors of the NHL as a rookie.  Lee Rayson

Nov 2014- The 2014 No.1 overall pick will remain with the Panthers and not be sent back to Barrie. As of November 12, he led the Panthers in scoring (eight points, 14 games). He is playing over 20 minutes per game and is also leading the team with over two minutes of PP time per game. Zach Hopkins

June 2014 – The Florida Panthers selected Aaron Ekblad 1^st overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross

May 2014 -Aaron Ekblad was named to the OHL's 1st All-Star Team joining Scott Laughton, Connor Brown, Dane Fox, Slater Koekkoek and Alex Nedeljkovic. Brendan Ross

May 2014 – Barrie Colts captain Aaron Ekblad was the recipient of the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman of the Year. Ekblad led all defensemen in goals (23) with 16 of those coming via the powerplay. Brendan Ross

January 2014 – Bob McKenzie announced Aaron Ekblad as the top draft eligible player in his annual mid-term draft rankings show. Ekblad continues to trend upwards showing improvements in all facets of the game and currently edges out Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett as the top ranked player. Brendan Ross

January 2014 – Coming off a strong showing at the 2014 WJC as one of Canada's top defensemen, Aaron Ekblad is preparing for the CHL/NHL Top Prospects game where he will serve as team Captain of Team Orr. Ekblad is in the running for the 1st overall selection and scouts have to love the way that he's showing progression in all areas of his game – serving as a stabilizing defensive presence but also a willing offensive contributor as well. Brendan Ross

December 2013 – Aaron Ekblad is one of seven defensemen named to Team Canada for the 2014 World Junior Championship and just one of two draft eligible players playing for the red and white. Ekblad's impressive draft season should continue overseas in Malmo, Sweden as he looks to bring his strong two-way presence and feature his booming slapshot on one of two Canadian powerplay units. Scouts continue to marvel at his maturity, poise and advanced hockey sense and he is strongly being considered as a potential 1st overall selection for the upcoming 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross

August 2013 – Ekblad captained Team Canada to its sixth straight Ivan Hlinka gold medal after leading all defensemen in tournament  scoring with two goals and five points in five games. Brendan Ross

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July 2013 – In March of 2011, Aaron Ekblad was the first defenseman (and second player) to be granted Exceptional Player Status by Hockey Canada and subsequently was selected first overall in the OHL Priority Selection Draft by the Barrie Colts. Ekblad owns good size and over the past two seasons, he has seen notable development. Coming into his rookie season (as a 15 year old), Ekblad was focused on establishing himself as a reliable defenseman and he quickly accomplished that. Since solidifying himself as a reliable defensive presence, Ekblad has shown good progression in his offensive game displaying a willingness to jump into the rush with more certainty. Blessed to be surrounded by talent and expertise from a young age, Ekblad has taken advantage of his rare circumstance and learned the ropes quickly. His hockey sense, work ethic and eagerness to improve are admirable qualities. This mobile mature defenseman has a bright future as he can contribute offensively as he transitions out of his zone, defensively against the opposition’s top players and on special teams. Brendan Ross

Fantasy Outlook: A –

Ekblad has already cemented himself as a top pairing defensemen, that can be relied upon on both ends of the rink.  His point totals should only increase in the future as he develops and sees more power play time. 

Footage:

Ekblad fires home his first career hoal:

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Ekblad scores four goals and five points versus the Kingston Frontenacs on January 11th, 2014:

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Aaron Ekblad Hightlights:

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Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

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